Lower Control Arm Cosmoline Coverage

[archangel]

Thanks to this forum I feel well informed on the fact that LCAs were dipped in cosmoline by the supplier. Also well informed on restoration coating options.
I have seen it asked but not definitively answered. Did the LCA supplier dip LCAs as a complete assembly or in other words the bushing and pivot pin were installed prior to dipping? If so, did Dodge just install the assembly into the K-member as is with cosmoline covered pivot pin?

 

[BLK 68 R/T]

I am almost positive they were completely assembled, and then dipped. No one would want to handle a slippery part and try and press bushings into it.

 

[archangel]

Thanks, you obviously make a good point. As a sidebar, a quick check of my FSM does not mention any specific lubrication instructions for the pivot shaft when reinstalling the LCA on the K-member. My gut feel is that if I do dip the whole assembly I would want to clean off the cosmoline from the pivot shaft and use my "ball joint" grease before installing on the K-member. What do you think?

 

[dadsbee]

The shaft isn't supposed to turn after it's tightened in place with wheels on ground. No reason to grease it.

 

[BLK 68 R/T]

And remember, don’t tighten the nuts fully until all the suspension is under normal load.

 

[archangel]

Thank you for the tips. Yeah, I do not plan to tighten any of the suspension/steering components until the engine/tranny is back in and she is back on her tires.

 

[archangel]

In lieu of staring a new thread...
Should the insides of pivot shaft holes in the K-Member be paint free?
Since they do not move I am thinking that it is a case of "it does not matter".
When I sprayed my K-Member last summer, out of the car, I now see that I completed coated the inside of the holes. Now that I am preparing to reinstall the LCAs I am debating on whether or not to clean them out to bare metal before installing. Did the factory dip K-Members (in black paint)? If so, then I will leave the insides painted as the factory did and just install the LCAs.

 

[BLK 68 R/T]

I believe they were sprayed with around 40% gloss. As long as the paint buildup isn’t excessive I wouldn’t worry about cleaning the holes.

 

[archangel]

Thank you.